Mariners get the Kluber Treatment, Lose 6-5

After getting a tough 5-4 win yesterday the Mariners returned to Progressive Field to take on the baseball team from Cleveland.

Erasmo Ramirez made his second start of the year taking on two-time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber. It was clear from the get-go that Kluber is one of the best pitchers in the game. And Ramirez is, well not.

The Baseball team from Cleveland was off to a fast start as Francisco Lindor led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Followed later in the inning by Michael Brantley and Edwin Encarnacion going back-to-back, staking Kluber to a 3-0 lead.

It seemed as if Cleveland would cruise to an easy win after they put three on the board as Kluber was sharp going eight and two-thirds innings and giving up three runs on four hits. Kluber struck out 10 as the Mariners struggled against him.

Yonder Alonso and Yan Gomes added solo shots to start the fifth and that was it for Erasmo.

Ramirez struggled, tying a team record giving up five home runs in five innings of work. Whatever life Jerry Dipoto was hoping Erasmo would add to the starting staff has just not been there in his first two starts.

Mitch Haniger was able to get the Mariners on the board against Kluber when he smashed a two-run homer to deep center in the seventh. It was Haniger’s ninth home run of the year as he continues to be awesome!

The Mariners made a run in the ninth. After Kyle Seager singled, Cody Allen replaced Kluber. Haniger doubled setting up second and third for Mike Zunino. Zunino crushed a home run to left bringing the Mariners within a run. Unfortunately, Ben Gamel lined out to end the game.

Thankfully the Mariners will not have to face a two-time Cy Young winner tomorrow as Mike Leake (2-2, 6.59 era) will take on Carlos Carrasco (4-0, 2.31 era) at 1:10 pm PT.

Next: The 5 Most Valuable Trade Assets on the Seattle Mariners

Game Notes:

Despite stating that Chief Wahoo was gone he is still visible on the arm of each Cleveland player.

Michael Brantley finished 3 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI, just a double short of the cycle.

Dee Gordon was removed in the seventh for precautionary measures. Gordon appeared to land awkwardly trying to make a play on Yonder Alonso’s sixth-inning home run.